Great White Shark

June 1, 2023
Grades K-3 There are two tracks in Saxby's introduction to one of the ocean's largest predators: one chronicling a shark's life as she hunts, prepares to give birth, and leaves her offspring immediately after; and the other, in smaller-font asides, offering details about the species generally. The pieces complement each other nicely, such as when the poetic narrative says, "She is a silent and powerful submarine and follows her own maps," and the smaller-font, more prosaic text notes that sharks have a sixth sense, electroreception, which helps them navigate. One concise, startling fact after another is found on spreads that are filled with gorgeous ocean scenes showing the shark from above and below, her hunting grounds and the animals she consumes (eating is not shown), and her young. Readers will love learning that, along with traditional materials and found natural pigments, Lane's realistic illustrations were created using seawater. Further shark facts are found in a final section of lengthier text (though there's no source list). This lovely addition to science shelves will attract young animal lovers.

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Starred review from April 15, 2023
Introducing the ocean's most feared predator. Stunning illustrations grace this account of a pregnant great white shark's journey northward to warmer waters, where she will give birth in an unknown location. She finds food along the way--a young seal pup and, later, a sea turtle. The two-level narrative features a graceful read-aloud text and additional information in a smaller font. Writing in easily understood prose, Saxby discusses the great white's appearance, ability to adjust body temperature, speed and power, hunting prowess, parental care (none--mother sharks don't stick around after birth), undiscriminating appetite (great white taste buds distinguish only between food and not food), and lack of interest in humans. In her picture-book debut, Lane uses seawater and "found natural pigments" among other materials (watercolor, pastel, pencil, and digital drawing and collage), a nice touch. Color and light are used to great effect to convey the darkness of ocean depths and the changing hues of the water. Cutaway views add interest. The kills are dramatic but sensitively portrayed; the shark's explosion out of the water to grab the turtle is a wonderful surprise. There are plenty of titles about this perennial favorite sea creature, but this could become a favorite. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A splashing success. (more information on great whites, index) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

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